Naramata

Village of Naramata

The Village of Naramata is world renowned and best known for its amazing wineries, vineyards, and beautiful views, and rightly so. But as a family that grew up on the Naramata Bench, we have some other favourite things about the village that may not be as well known, and we think you should check them out if you're in the area.

All three of us love going into Naramata and getting pizza at Real Things Pizza. It's no regular pizza place, and a visit there has you standing with locals watching the owners had craft your order to go. Diane's favourite thing is to take it over to Manitou Beach with friends, while Len likes to take it home and enjoys it with the grandkids by the pool. Should you mosey on over to Manitou you will find a huge park right on the beach with a laid back vibe that's sometimes hard to find in an area where tourists flock to every sandy spot within miles all summer long. There is a dock here, and it's a great place to bring your boat in like Philip does, and pick up or drop off friends in the area (and grab a coffee from Cafe Nevermatters while you're nearby). The beach itself is gorgeous and watching the sunset here is amazing. There are picnic tables and a playground for the kids, a baseball diamond, and if you are in the area for August long it's a must to come here and enjoy the Naramata fair.

If you're in Naramata taking a break from the wine touring, have a wander around the village. Not only will you find a huge artist community, but you may even be lucky to spot the most beautiful local resident. A wild peacock roams the streets stopping in front of your car or walking very slowly down the middle of the street so that you must stop and take a look at him. If you're lucky he may even flash his feathers for you.

Of course we love love LOVE our wine, and living surrounded by Naramata Bench Vineyards and wineries is a treat few towns can enjoy in as much abundance as we do. The Naramata Bench has countless amazing wineries to stop by and do a tasting and then stock up for your new wine cellar. A few of our personal favourites are:

Lake Breezy Winery: This fabulous winery has a wonderful restuarnt, beautiful views, and a great tasting room all with an Italian feel that makes you feel like you could be in Tuscany. Try out the Meritage.

Bench 1775: This is yet another spot to stop and enjoy a stunning view of vineyards and the lake while having a tasting. There's even a pizza oven here! Grab a bottle of the Cabernet/Merlot blend.

Therapy Vineyards: This is one of Diane's favourite places to bring visiting friends. It has a quirky branding that will have you sipping wines such as; Freud's Ego, Freudian Sip, and Fizzio Therapy. They have a great Rose and it's a perfect spot to pick up a bottle of sparkling wine. Take a seat on the patio and take in more of that never ending view.

All in all, the Village of Naramata and the Naramata Bench are very close to our hearts. Take a drive or hop on your bike to do the full tour. Keep an eye out on the roads for the many cyclists who call our valley home that spin to Naramata and beyond on both the Road and the KVR trail. The things to do out here are endless. There's countless mountain biking trails, hiking, dirt biking, paddle boarding, wine tasting, beach lounging, and more. You're not going to want to go home to the City after spending some quality time here.